Families

ATLANTA -- More than 200 metro Atlanta middle school students attended a peace rally and workshop hosted by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. over the weekend.

The rally was a kickoff for 40 Days of Peace, which begins Monday. 40 Days of Peace is a commitment to kindness and service that encourages young people to follow in the footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

At Saturday's rally, speakers encouraged attendees to stop bullying and stay out of gangs. Police officers gave a presentation on how to interact with law enforcement.

A concurrent workshop for the parents in attendance focused on implementing strategies to keep children safe and on the right track in life.

ATLANTA -- Members of metro Atlanta's chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will hold a peace rally and workshop for middle school students over the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday weekend.

The event will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 19 at the Ivy Community Center in southwest Atlanta. It is part of the 40 Days of Peace project, which aims to spread service and kindness through the country.

The peace rally and workshop will aim to teach young people about Dr. King's mission, and to raise awareness of crime and crime prevention strategies. Law enforcement members will also give an interactive presentation to encourage children to stamp out gangs and bullying.

The fundraiser, which is held annually in Peachtree City, collects money for Christian City. The Union City-based organization has provided a loving and nurturing home for more than 1,000 abused, abandoned and neglected kids.

FAIRBURN, Ga. -- Southside Theatre Guild presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, just in time for the holidays.

The show will open Thursday, Dec. 6. According to the theater:

In this hilarious Christmas tale, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids -- probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won't believe the mayhem -- and the fun -- when the Herdmans collide head-on with the Christmas story!

Performances of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever run through Sunday, Dec. 16. Learn more and buy tickets at stgplays.com.

Southside Theatre Guild is located at 20 West Campbellton Street in Fairburn.